Article Comments - 2010 Ford Taurus First Drive and Full Test

21 messages, Last post on Nov 13, 2009 at 5:51 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Taurus, Sedan

2010 Ford Taurus SEL First Drive - First Impressions: The 2010 Ford Taurus differentiates itself from the interim Five Hundred-based Taurus with high style and high tech, but we're not yet convinced it's the flagship sedan Ford hopes Americans will aspire to. (more)

2010 Ford Taurus Limited Full Test - Bottom Line: A great big car, if a big car is really what you need. (more)

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#12 of 21 skeptical about market for new taurus by pod Jul 21, 2009 (6:11 pm)
I agree with ronsmith about the price. The Taurus line has never been "upscale" rather "credible value". You could always find a incentive or program that put you in a taurus "premium" for under $25K. These were well optioned for their pricepoint as standard equipment (moonroof, power everything, climate control, abundant airbags, adjustable pedals, cruise control, a/c, V6, etc). I was able to consistently average about 28 mpg in mixed driving. While it is true that the new SHO has many new twists and bells and whistles including the powerful new engine, the other tauruses seem to have been swept upward in price on this basis. I am dubious about some of the features. 19 inch wheels in the limited will be quite more expensive to replace and the extra hundreds of pounds will wear them sooner. Such concerns may seem mundane to the enthusiasts but that is my point: the taurus never appealed to the enthusiast rather to the larger herd of buyers looking for a relative value. When it costs $600 for a new set of tires and, largely because of the weight, has lesser fuel economy, costs more to insure and so on, the value crowd may head elsewhere. Even if the SHO sells relatively well, I would predict an overall loss of buyers across the model line. These are tough economic times and the considerably more expensive base car seems to overlook that glaring fact. True the Fusion may absorb this migrating crowd but the price of the V6 fusion is higher than the former taurus pricepoint. I don't know but it seems to me that the price of most ford products has risen about $4K at the end of the day. For me that puts them out of the value set and tempts me to look elsewhere. The taurus is big and probably can accomodate a family comfortably, but if you have a big family you don't have a lot of cash to put into a car. Put five people in the car and it will approach 2 1/2 tons and the V6 may push like a 4 cylinder. We will see. I regard my former purchase as a great value. Going forward I will certainly comparison shop for value since the size and weight of the new model are negatives to me. I am unlikely to pay more for a car that is becoming larger as I think smaller and more fuel efficient.
#13 of 21 Big and Pricey by jaxs1 Jul 24, 2009 (10:10 pm)
I like it and it may be worth it for what it is (makes much more sense than a Lincoln MKZ for the money), but it is a bit big and pricey for what I want and I don't like the current Fusion that much. 18/28 isn't great mpg either, but you can't expect much better because of the size and weight. If they redesign the next version of the Fusion as a smaller version of this with better fuel economy and lower price, that will be really attractive. One thing that makes this more expensive than it really needs to be is making the nav only available in the Limited. I didn't see the nav as an option on the build and price site until I select Limited trim. It should be available at least on an SEL with leather. If anyone compares to an Accord V6 with nav, you can't get the price close because you end up with much more equipment than the Accord in order to just get touchscreen nav. The SYNC can give turn by turn voice instructions, but isn't really comparable to a full screen nav system.
#14 of 21 Point Considered by ev56 Jul 25, 2009 (5:21 am)
Many potential buyers may be shocked by the price of the SHO, but remember, the garden variety Taurus starts at a lower price point. The point of a flagship is to show exactly everything the company can muster for those who are interested in a fully equipped model. I think many people are stuck on what they think they remember about the origional SHO, which was barely up to the standards(besides the engine)of the regular Taurus at the time. I remember reviewers complain that the SHO at the time only performed like a German sports sedan, but didn't have anything near the fit and finish and equipment level. Perhaps, too, many expected the shock the origional SHO offered. That's a little like being disappointed that the latest "Shaft" movie didn't excite one like the first one did. Full featured sport sedans with comfort are expected. The Fusion will have to stand on its own.
#15 of 21 Test Drove the LImited by ocramida Aug 25, 2009 (5:27 am)
Overall a nice car. Biggest issue is the lack of interior space and the narrow rear window. It has a tank-like feel driving around and what's up with those heavily padded visors that emerge from the top of the dash. Rear seat legroom is also small considering the size of this car. Trunk is GIGANTIC. Overall it's an impressive, good looking car with excellent build quality. And SYNC is one of the main reasons I'd buy a Ford these days. Intuitive, flexible and sw upgradable. It just a bit too claustrophobic for my 6'3" frame. Replies to this message: berri (Aug 25, 2009 5:40 pm) raymmer (Nov 11, 2009 6:02 pm) dodgeman07 (Nov 12, 2009 3:49 pm) raymmer (Nov 13, 2009 5:51 am)
#16 of 21 Re: Test Drove the LImited [ocramida] by berri Aug 25, 2009 (5:40 pm)
Replying to: ocramida (Aug 25, 2009 5:27 am) That's too bad because I'm 6'3" and cramped quarters despite the large size is why I didn't care for the previous Taurus/Five Hundred. I just looked at the new Buick LaCrosse and it was quite roomy, but I think the Taurus has a nicer finish inside. The Buick looked nice inside, but still had a GM feel to the switches and handles.
#17 of 21 Inadequate room for a big guy by bls2753 Sep 05, 2009 (9:38 am)
I've been a repeat Taurus buyer, going back 20 years. Starting to look at replacing my '04. Looked at the 2010 at the dealer the other day. I'm 6'4" 270 lbs. and not impressed with the room in the new car. The "cockpit" reminds me of the '93 Probe my daughter owned. Also looked at the Fusion. Even though it's smaller than the Taurus, there's more room in the drivers seat. Taurus has always been a functional, everyday car, but not now. If I wanted a sports car, I'd buy a Mustang. Replies to this message: erniesdad (Oct 25, 2009 10:21 am)
#18 of 21 Re: Inadequate room for a big guy [bls2753] by erniesdad Oct 25, 2009 (10:21 am)
Replying to: bls2753 (Sep 05, 2009 9:38 am) I think part of the problem is that a lot of manufacturers today have bought into the "giant center console of doom" that is in these cars. I've test driven an Infiniti EX35, Acura RDX, and the Taurus SHO, and they all seem to have been cursed by this affliction. Big cars must have big center consoles. It's the law, you know.
#19 of 21 Re: Test Drove the LImited [ocramida] by raymmer Nov 11, 2009 (6:02 pm)
Replying to: ocramida (Aug 25, 2009 5:27 am) I test drove a limited this past weekend. I currently drive a 2008 300C with the hemi(Lease). I was very much impressed with the vehicle! It felt very solid and stable on the road and above else that's what I look for in a vehicle. I found the interior to be very spacious and nicely laid out. I was surprised at the engine as well! When I got on it, it got up and went! Overall, I was very impressed with the whole package. I have owned S-class and E-class Mercedes, Cadillac STS and given the prices of today, I would pay the price for a limited(of course, after the requisite haggling with the dealer) after my lease is up! I wii, however, drive the SHO before my decision is made. If it is something that I WANT, I have no qualms about paying for it! RRS Replies to this message: dodgeman07 (Nov 12, 2009 3:49 pm) raymmer (Nov 13, 2009 5:51 am)
#20 of 21 Re: Test Drove the LImited [raymmer] by dodgeman07 Nov 12, 2009 (3:49 pm)
Replying to: raymmer (Nov 11, 2009 6:02 pm) That great raymmer. It is a very nice vehicle. Did you notice any harsh ride characteristics from the 19" rims? I have not driven one yet but think the 18" SEL rims would be a bit smoother. Ford is making great strides forward and I can't wait to see the 2011 Explorer. It might be "deja vu all over again"! Replies to this message: raymmer (Nov 13, 2009 5:51 am)
#21 of 21 Re: Test Drove the LImited [dodgeman07] by raymmer Nov 13, 2009 (5:51 am)
Replying to: dodgeman07 (Nov 12, 2009 3:49 pm) No, I did not note any harshness, however, I'm riding on 20" rims now with my 300 so the Taurus felt much smoother. One thing for sure; I won't get 20 incher again! Will probably drive the SHO this weekend, but probably won't buy before June/July timeframe next year. RRS